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Bucharest Port Guide

The Bucharest Port marks entry to the capital and largest city in Romania, situated on the banks of the DâmboviÅ£a River. Bucharest is a principal industrial and transportation center of Eastern Europe, featuring colleges and universities, convention facilities, museums, shops and a range of restaurants. Boasting wide, tree-lined boulevards, this city showcases a blend of history and modern extravagances. The bustling metropolis, coupled with legendary architecture, makes it a welcome stop on your Bucharest port of call.

From the Bucharest cruise terminal, passengers have several transportation options to choose from to get to the main city area. The Bucharest cruise port itself has some shops and vendors within the terminal area but to see a wider array of boutiques and vendors, downtown is where it's at.

Shopping

If you've come to Bucharest for the shopping, you may be disappointed. While there are shops selling anything from souvenirs to clothing to crafts, it's not the shopping mecca you would expect as in other ports of call. Malls do abound, though, such as BaBaneasa Shopping City, Bucharest's first real mega-mall, showcasing more than 220 shops. Bucuresti Mall, City Mall and Feeria Shopping Centre are a few other places where you can pick up some gifts. For authentic handicrafts, traditional costumes and folk art, visit the Museum of the Romanian Peasant Shop at Sos. Kiseleff 3. Book lovers will get lost in the stacks at Carturesti's on Strada Pictor Arthur Verona. Here, you'll find a wide collection of music, along with art books and a relaxing tea shop.

Things to See

Being a large historic city, Bucharest has many attractions to keep visitors busy. Parliamentary Palace at Calea 13 Septembrie 1 is impressive, with its square classical facade and gateways. It's known locally as the House of the People, and houses both chambers of the Romanian Parliament. Holding the record as the world's largest civilian administrative building, it also hails as the heaviest building as well. Those looking to brush up on their local culture can head to the Romania's National Museum of Art in the downtown area. It showcases three distinct collections, including the Gallery of Romanian Medieval Art, the Gallery of Romanian Modern Art and the Gallery of European Art. Exhibits display paintings, sculptures and decorative art indicative of each period.

There are many places of worship in Bucharest too, such as the Biserica Stavropoleos, dedicated to the archangels Michael and Gabriel. This church is small in structure but large in atmosphere and significance. Built in 1724 by Greek monk Ioanikie Stratonikeas, it now houses an extensive library filled with old manuscripts, books and memorabilia.

Restaurants and Bars

Getting hungry during your stay? Choose from eateries featuring local or international fare, all with varying price tags and atmospheres. For Romanian and Mediterranean cuisine, try Casa Doina on Sos. Kiseleff 4. This 18th-century villa features a garden terrace for dining when the weather is mild. Guests can dine on sophisticated fare such as polenta with bacon and cheese, sour cabbage leaves with meat, or braised duckling. If you're in the mood to dance, there are a few night spots you may want to check out, such as Kristal Glam Club for progressive house music or Gaia for disco.

Bucharest, Romania is an eye opening port of call, not just for its cultural attractions but for its architectural beauties as well.